Jenna Bush Hager, the co-host of the popular morning show “Today,” has opened up about her parenting experiences, particularly the honesty of her 13-year-old daughter, Mila. Bush Hager, who is a mother to three children—Mila, Poppy, 10, and Hal, 6—has expressed how her daughter’s candid opinions often lead her to rethink her choices and appearance.
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During a recent conversation with Bowen Yang and Matt Rogers on the podcast “Las Culturistas,” Hager discussed her cosmetic procedures and her daughter’s blunt feedback regarding them. She recounted a moment when Mila suggested she could benefit from a bit more Botox. “I’m always like, I could use a little more,” Hager remarked, sharing her concerns about looking overly stiff on camera. Her daughter’s mixed observations have encouraged her to reassess how much work she undergoes.
Mila’s forthrightness doesn’t stop there. Hager revealed that Mila even critiques her hair, pointing out the visible greys and urging her to make adjustments. “By the way, I do change accordingly. Like I made an appointment,” Hager admitted, illustrating how seriously she takes her daughter’s comments.
Additionally, Hager reflected on a moment when she was preparing to interview a royal. After rehearsing her introduction, Mila claimed it was overly focused on her. “It’s too much about you, Mom,” Hager recalled her daughter saying. This critique prompted her to revise the introduction. “I was like, ‘You’re right,’ so I went back to bed and reworked it,” she confessed.
The significance of humility when taking feedback from a younger generation was not lost on Hager. She noted that accepting critique from Mila has taught her valuable lessons about being more self-aware. “Coming from a 13-year-old, I thought to myself, ‘If she’s saying that, then I’m going to fix it,’” she explained, reinforcing the importance of listening to children’s perspectives.
Hager is known for sharing amusing anecdotes about her interactions with her children on her daytime talk show. In a recent episode, she revealed a new nickname her children have begun using for her: “Biggie.” This term puzzled Hager, who voiced her concerns about its appropriateness, fearing it might lead to awkward encounters at school for her son, Hal.
The roots of the nickname, however, were even more surprising. Hager shared that it stemmed from a phrase her children found humorous, ultimately dumbing it down to just “Biggie.” While initially amused by their creativity, she quickly cautioned them about the implications of such labels. “It’s going to spread,” she remarked, reflecting on how easy it is for playful nicknames to take on a life of their own.
Her co-host, Sheinelle Jones, expressed dismay at the term after hearing its origin. “I’ve never heard that; that hurts my feelings,” Jones replied, signifying that such nicknames can easily hit a nerve.
Through her experiences, Hager continues to navigate the challenges and joys of motherhood with a sense of humour. Her ability to openly discuss her children’s candidness not only makes for entertaining anecdotes but also reflects a deeper understanding of the dynamic between parents and their children. As she juggles her roles as a television personality, former first daughter, and a devoted mother, Hager remains committed to growing as a parent while embracing the honesty and insights her children bring to the table.